Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

The only undistressed spot?

Legislative budget analyst Paul Headlee briefs lawmakers about federal stimulus money for transportation and how it'll affect Idaho. Nearly all of the state fits the federal definition of
Legislative budget analyst Paul Headlee briefs lawmakers about federal stimulus money for transportation and how it'll affect Idaho. Nearly all of the state fits the federal definition of "economically distressed" areas and therefore qualifies for priority funding for infrastructure improvements, Headlee said - except for the Ketchum-Sun Valley area. (Betsy Russell / The Spokesman-Review)

Legislative budget analyst Paul Headlee is now briefing JFAC on the impact of the economic stimulus bill on transportation funding for Idaho. The state stands to receive $181.9 million for highway infrastructure investment, plus $18.4 million for transit capital assistance. There are some requirements for how the $181.9 million is to be spent; one is that priority go to "economically distressed" areas. "It's my understanding that nearly all of Idaho fits in the definition of 'economically distressed' with the exception of the Ketchum-Sun Valley area," Headlee told the committee, prompting some chuckles and  glances at Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, who represents that particular area.



Eye On Boise

News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.